Well, it was going to be tough to top the recent run of Originals episodes, and it was going to be hard to prove that Rebekah won't be completely and utterly missed from the show. And honestly, we're still not entirely convinced that this episode reassured us that she won't be a massive loss. Mind you, the writers did at least make the smart move of almost rebooting the show.

We pick up a month after Rebekah's departure, and things are changing. Smartly, the werewolves being cured of the crescent curse is dealt with simply in a montage, neatly wrapping that up so that the next stage of the storyline can take place. But most interestingly, Klaus is still dealing with the aftermath of exiling his sister; feeling somewhat depressed and finding an outlet in Genevieve, of all people, he's neglecting to rule the city. Which is kind of what he wanted in the first place.

That means it's up to noble Elijah to take the reins and attempt to guide the city towards some kind of peace. It's always fun to see the badass side of Elijah - even if he's ostensibly attempting to come to some kind of agreement between the various factions in the Quarter. He's not prepared to take any nonsense, but that doesn't mean it's easy, and it's entertaining to see him turn to Klaus, who has just one suggestion - throw a massive party.

I enjoyed seeing this Klaus, too, finding refuge in his painting - something that Hayley knows is worrying - and abdicating any sense of real responsibility, despite Elijah's urging. Of course, it's not as simple as that, and he actually has another plan - not to undermine Elijah, as werewolf Jackson suspects, but to utilise the pack's loyalty to protect his unborn daughter. Sure, this is done behind his brother's back, but surely it's all above board, right?

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You might think it would be hard for Klaus to get the pack on his side, but he's always been something of a smooth talker - and the promise of a moonlight ring to allow the wolves to control their transformations and channel their energies just sweetens the deal. It is thrilling to see Jackson and his fellow wolf Oliver discussing the implications of what they're being offered - "We wouldn't just be their equals, we'd be their superiors" - if only because it hints at what could be to come for the residents of New Orleans.

Of course, Hayley is one of them, and her position in the power play is becoming more and more important. She's going to stand up for her own kind, of course; at the same time, she does have an undeniable connection with Elijah. That's what makes the moment when she realises he's kept his peace talks from her all the more charged. It's hard not to love her when she bursts in on the talks, all guns blazing, demanding that the werewolves get a seat at the table. Whether she'll be included on the new plans - after her many attempts to keep the peace - remains to be seen.

And since The Originals is rebooting itself somewhat, there are other storylines playing into things. Elijah might be signing peace treaties and Klaus might be plotting secretly, but they're not the only ones with designs on New Orleans. Take Marcel, who's been exiled and wants more than anything to regain his crown. That involves roping in Thierry - the only vampire who renounced Klaus but stuck around in his home - and trying to figure out how to get a bullied, belittled Davina back to her fighting self.

This is very important, because it means that Josh is back. I'd been missing Josh and his unassuming nature, so it was a pleasure to see him reintroduced to the show, and - weirdly - working for Marcel to bring the best out of Davina. He does this for her sake, of course, worried that she won't be able to protect herself. But his personal, gentle encouragement - relating to her struggles by opening up about his parents' rejection of him - is sweet to watch.

And then we have the fantastic Cami. Desperate to save her uncle from the hex that killed her brother - and be damned what the others say - she's spiralling. Klaus claims there's nothing she can do, but Cami refuses to take no for an answer. Admittedly, I enjoy her take no prisoners approach - her disgust at Klaus's dalliance with Genevieve was a punch-the-air-with-joy moment - but she's putting herself in danger, almost being killed by her uncle during one of his rages. And it cannot be a good idea that she slept with Marcel (well, obviously, it was a good idea, but the consequences won't be so great - especially given that Genevieve saw the whole thing through some kind of magical witchy device, and is bound to use this information in her jealousy-fuelled fight against Cami).

But we've got this far without mentioning Francesca, the businesswoman and drug trafficker representing the human faction in Kieran's absence. Clearly, she's bad news, but for now I'll enjoy watching her preen and primp and flirt and fight. We haven't found out too much about Francesca yet - other than that she has a wonderful smirk - but any new character introduced to cause trouble is fine by us.

Overall, then, this episode didn't do exactly what we needed it to do; we're still not convinced about the departure of Rebekah, and after a few weeks of righteous, action-packed, utterly compelling episodes, this instalment didn't quite match up. It was still entertaining - and seeing this new side to Elijah was an utter treat - but it's always a challenge when introducing new storylines to keep things focused and tight. It hasn't quite happened yet, but The Originals has won enough goodwill thus far that I have faith it will get there soon.

Sorry, I have to mention this again - I am so glad Josh is back, you guys.

"I trust you can find your clothing, and the door." Elijah has no time for Genevieve.

"I saw the light from the courtyard and took a chance that you weren't with a half naked psycho witch. Seems I gambled and lost." Neither does Cami. (Also so much love for: "Ten minutes ago I was fully naked." "Oh, then you've served your purpose - don't let me hold you up.")

Ugh, Monique is so awful. Is it bad that I kind of wish she'd stayed dead? We love you, Davina.